It Was All Arranged [R. Sakamaki]

Christa's Warning

[TW: SA]

"Succumb to me." His lips hungrily devoured the curve of her neck, sucking and licking hard. Beneath him, the Queen was silent, her sharp eyes focused on the ceiling up ahead, tracing the small patterns engraved into the white wood. "Give yourself to me." His sharp canines tore into the red marks which stained her flesh, his jaw moving back and forth as he sucked the crimson out of her body. Still, she lay quiet, her body feeble as his rough hands wrapped around her wrists, pulling them above her head. "You will be mine." His head lifted, ocean eyes staring ruthlessly into her grey pair. She didn't move despite knowing what would come next. She didn't move because she knew that this outcome was better. She didn't move because she was terrified. "Whether you like it or not." He spat, her blood spraying across her cheeks. She flinched but stayed silent as she returned her gaze to the ceiling above, sketching its pretty little patterns. There was nothing she could do; she was hopeless.

Her gasp was loud as she shot up from the bed. Sweat drenched her sheets and pillow and her auburn hair clasped around her throat, causing her to scratch at it helplessly as she panted. Her face was wet - with tears or sweat, she didn't know… perhaps it was both.

She dragged her fingers down her face, tugging at her eyelids as she took deep, quivering breaths. She was safe. Athena glanced around the room. The bedpost was gold, the flowers in her vase were pink, the sheets were blue, the rug was white and her husband's eyes were bright pink.

She nearly screamed as her stare met his, shuffling back as her eyes widened. The King merely watched her, blinking slowly as she slowly relaxed. "I…" she began, her hand pressed to her chest. "I didn't mean to wake you." He said nothing as his hand reached out, landing on the side of her neck. She flinched at his touch, body stiffening before she could even think.

"You're safe," he murmured, husky voice deep as his thumb gently stroked her skin. Shu had bitten her in that exact spot thirteen times. Athena moved away from his touch, tearing the sheets off her body as she slipped from the bed.

"I need… air," she whispered, downing the glass of water on her nightstand before grasping her silk robe and tying it around her waist.

"I'll come with you," he groaned, sitting himself up.

"No!" She stepped away from him, "Just… go to sleep, you've a lot to do tomorrow."

"I'm worried about you-"

"Don't be," she snapped, "you and I are a mere contract. Feelings are not involved. Focus on your duties." She hadn't processed her words until Reiji's anxious face had fallen into one of despair. "Reiji-"

"I understand," he said, "if you think so little of our marriage then I shall treat you as such."

Her eyebrows furrowed as he lowered himself into the sheets, turning his back to her.

"Reiji-"

"It is not business hours, do leave me be."

And so she did.

The night air was cool against her skin, causing her to take a long breath as she strolled through the tall, well-trimmed hedges. Her feet were bare (she'd forgotten to slip into her slippers) and the grass felt spiky and damp as she wandered. She didn't care. Anything felt better than Shu.

"Hello Dear," a gentle, melodic voice sounded, causing the Queen to jump, startled. She turned to catch a glimpse of Christa standing in the centre of the maze, her long hair plaited and her red robe long and silky. She offered a smile at the Queen's way.

"Christa…" Athena murmured, stepping cautiously towards the unassuming woman, "why are you out at this time?"

"I knew you'd be here," she said, "why are you out at this time?" Athena said nothing as she reached the Vampire's side, staring into the running fountain with her. "The nightmares, I presume."